Konstfack
Founded in 1844, Konstfack in Stockholm is Sweden's foremost university for arts, crafts, and design, playing a central role in shaping the country's creative landscape. It has been the training ground for a range of influential figures across various creative fields. Designers like Sigvard Bernadotte were pioneers of Swedish modern design, while filmmakers such as Roy Andersson have gained international recognition for their distinct, surreal cinematic works. Renowned contemporary artists, including Karin Mamma Andersson, have emerged from Konstfack, with their thought-provoking works displayed globally (See more in Alumni Section). Konstfack offers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including fine arts, design, crafts, and applied arts, with an emphasis on innovative, sustainable practices that engage both artistic expression and societal responsibility. The school encourages experimental approaches to art and design while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. With its rich history and continued focus on creative exploration, Konstfack remains a key institution in Sweden’s art and design education, influencing not only Swedish culture but also the wider international art and design community.
past Students
Hilma af Klint (1862–1944) was a Swedish painter and a pioneer of abstract art, creating non-representational works years before artists like Kandinsky and Mondrian. Deeply influenced by spiritualism, Theosophy, and scientific discoveries of her time, af Klint’s paintings explored unseen energies and higher dimensions. Her Paintings for the Temple series, filled with symbolic shapes and vibrant colors, is considered groundbreaking in the history of abstraction. Af Klint rarely exhibited her abstract works during her lifetime, believing the world was not yet ready for them. Today, she is recognized as a visionary, with major exhibitions at institutions like the Guggenheim Museum and the Tate Modern solidifying her place in art history.
Lasse Åberg (born 1940) is a Swedish artist, filmmaker, musician, and designer known for his playful and nostalgic approach to pop culture. His work spans painting, graphic design, and film, often incorporating references to Disney, comics, and everyday Swedish life. Åberg is also a celebrated filmmaker, best known for the Sällskapsresan film series, which humorously depicts Swedish holiday culture. In addition to his artistic career, he co-founded the Åberg Museum, which houses his extensive collection of pop art and memorabilia. His influence on Swedish visual culture and humor remains significant, blending fine art with popular imagery in a unique and accessible way.
Tove Jansson (1914–2001) was a Finnish-Swedish artist, writer, and illustrator, best known as the creator of the Moomins, a beloved series of books and comics featuring whimsical yet deeply philosophical characters. Besides attending Konstfack, Tove also studied at École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Beyond her work in children's literature, Jansson was also a painter and a novelist, with works such as The Summer Book showcasing her lyrical storytelling and deep connection to nature. Her art and writing often explored themes of independence, identity, and the beauty of everyday life. Jansson’s legacy endures through her impact on Nordic literature and visual art, with her works exhibited in institutions such as the Ateneum Art Museum in Helsinki.
Current students
As selected by EYTE.
